Supply-chain side assistance

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that identifies an item having a presence within a geographic locale in response to a signal indicative of the item, obtains a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a first source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source; and aggregates the first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, claims the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available prioritydates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefitsunder 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications), andincorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of theherein listed application(s); the present application also claims theearliest available effective filing date(s) from, and also incorporatesby reference in its entirety all subject matter of any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the herein listedapplication(s). The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published anotice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require thatpatent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether anapplication is a continuation or continuation in part. The presentapplicant entity has provided below a specific reference to theapplication(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation in part of its parent applications, butexpressly points out that such designations are not to be construed inany way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or notthe present application contains any new matter in addition to thematter of its parent application(s).

1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled PROVIDING ASSISTANCE, namingEdward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Sep. 30, 2004, Ser. No. 10/955,966.

2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled ENHANCED USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Oct. 26, 2004, Ser. No. 10/974,476.

3. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled ENHANCED USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Oct. 26, 2004, Ser. No. 10/974,555.

4. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled ENHANCED CONTEXTUAL USERASSISTANCE, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud,and John D. Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Oct. 27, 2004, Ser. No.10/974,561.

5. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled ENHANCED USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.,Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Oct. 29, 2004, Ser. No. 10/978,243.

6. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently-co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled ENHANCED USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Dec. 1, 2004, Ser. No. 11/000,687.

7. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled ENHANCED USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Dec. 1, 2004, Ser. No. 11/000,736.

8. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled OBTAINING USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Jan. 18, 2005, Ser. No. 11/037,828.

9. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled OBTAINING USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Jan. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,664,736 Ser. No. 11/037,825.

10. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled OBTAINING USER ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Jan. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,798,401 Ser. No. 11/037,827.

11. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled USER ASSISTANCE, naming EdwardK. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr.,as inventors, filed Jan. 21, 2005, Ser. No. 11/041,861.

12. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled SUPPLY-CHAIN SIDE ASSISTANCE,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr., as inventors, filed Feb. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,694,881 Ser. No. 11/061,387.

The above applications are specifically incorporated herein by referencein their entirety for all that they disclose and teach. In an event ofany conflict between the instant application and an applicationincorporated by reference, the instant application controls.

SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a computer-implemented method. The methodincludes identifying an item having a presence within a geographiclocale in response to a signal indicative of the item. Also, obtaining afirst instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item from a first source and obtaining a second instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from asecond source. The method further includes aggregating the firstsupply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance. Themethod may include enabling a supply-chain user to request at least oneinstance of supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identifieditem. The method may include broadcasting the aggregated firstsupply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance. Themethod may include causing the first supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item to be obtained from the firstsource and the second supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item to be obtained from the second source. In addition tothe foregoing, other method embodiments are described in the claims,drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

Another embodiment provides a computer-implemented method. The methodincludes receiving a signal indicative of an item having a presencewithin a geographic locale, and requesting an information correspondingto the item over a computer network from at least two independentsources. The method also includes providing the information. In additionto the foregoing, other method embodiments are described in the claims,drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

A further embodiment provides a computer-implemented method. The methodincludes receiving a signal indicative of an item having a presencewithin a geographic locale, and enabling a supply-chain user to requesta supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item having a presencewithin a geographic locale. The method may also include, in response toa received supply-chain user request for a supply-chain assistance,obtaining a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding tothe item from a first source and obtaining a second instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the item from a second source.Further, the method may include aggregating the first supply-chainassistance and the second supply-chain assistance, and broadcasting theaggregated supply-chain assistance. In addition to the foregoing, othermethod embodiments are described in the claims, drawings, and textforming a part of the present application.

A method provides a computer program product encoding a computer programfor executing a computer process on a computing device. The computerprocess includes identifying an item having a presence within ageographic locale in response to a signal indicative of the item. Thecomputer process also includes obtaining a first instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from afirst source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source.Further, aggregating the first supply-chain assistance and the secondsupply-chain assistance. In addition to the foregoing, other computerprogram product embodiments are described in the claims, drawings, andtext forming a part of the present application.

Another embodiment provides a system. The system includes a computingdevice operable to receive a signal indicative of an item having apresence within a geographic locale, and operable to access a network.The system also includes instructions that when executed on thecomputing device cause the computing device to identify an item having apresence within a geographic locale in response to the signal indicativeof the item. The instructions further cause the computing device toobtain a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding tothe identified item from a first source and obtain a second instance ofa supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from asecond source. Also, to aggregate the first supply-chain assistance andthe second supply-chain assistance. In addition to the foregoing, othersystem embodiments are described in the claims, drawings, and textforming a part of the present application.

A further embodiment provides a system. The system includes a sensoroperable to generate a signal indicative of an item having a presencewithin a geographic locale. The system also includes a computing devicehaving a storage medium, and operable to receive the signal indicativeof an item and to access a computer network. The system further includesinstructions that when executed on the computing device cause thecomputing device to receive a signal indicative of an item having apresence within a geographic locale, and enable a supply-chain user torequest a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item having apresence within a geographic locale. The instructions may further causethe computing device to, in response to a received supply-chain userrequest for a supply-chain assistance, obtain a first instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the item from a first sourceand obtain a second instance of a supply-chain assistance correspondingto the item from a second source from the network. Also, to aggregatethe first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chainassistance, and to broadcast the aggregated supply-chain assistance. Inaddition to the foregoing, other system embodiments are described in theclaims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

An embodiment provides a computer-implemented method. The methodincludes receiving a first signal indicative of a first item having apresence within a geographic locale, and receiving a second signalindicative of a second item having a presence within the geographiclocale. The method also includes requesting an information correspondingto both the first item and the second item over a computer network fromat least two independent sources, and providing the information. Inaddition to the foregoing, other method embodiments are described in theclaims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

In addition to the foregoing, various other embodiments are set forthand described in the text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description)and/or drawings of the present application.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will becomeapparent in the detailed description set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented, including a general-purpose computing device;

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplary operationsthat obtain an assistance corresponding to an item having a presencewithin a geographic locale;

FIG. 3 illustrates another operational flow representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an assistance corresponding to an item havingpresence within a geographic locale;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 3 that includes a retention operation;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIGS. 3 and 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 3 that includes a broadcast operation;

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing a computerprocess on a computing device;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate certain alternative embodiments of the sensorand proximate environment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 15 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an assistance corresponding to an item havingpresence within a geographic locale;

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing a computerprocess on a computing device;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 20 illustrates an operational flow representing an exemplaryoperation that saves an end user assistance corresponding to an itemhaving presence within a geographic locale;

FIG. 21 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplaryoperations implemented in a computing device for receiving an end userassistance corresponding to an item having presence within a geographiclocale;

FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an end user assistance corresponding to anoperative coupling between two electronic devices;

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary operationalflow of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing the computerprocess on a computing device;

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 29 includes an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 30 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplaryoperations that obtains an end user assistance corresponding to an atleast substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device;

FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing a computerprocess on a computing device;

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 38 illustrates a brief, general description of a supply-chainenvironment in which embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 39 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations that obtain a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to an item having a presence within a geographic locale;

FIG. 40 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 42 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 44 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39

FIG. 45 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 46 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 47 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow of FIG. 39;

FIG. 48 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations;

FIG. 49 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations;

FIG. 50 illustrates another embodiment of the exemplary operational flowof FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations that obtain a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to an item having a presence within a geographic locale;

FIG. 52 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing a computerprocess on a computing device;

FIG. 53 illustrates an environment in which embodiments of an exemplarysystem may be implemented;

FIG. 54 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented; and

FIG. 55 illustrates an operational flow representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof. In the several figures, like referenced numerals identify likeelements. The detailed description and the drawings illustrate exemplaryembodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may bemade, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here. The following detailed description is therefore not tobe taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the claimed subjectmatter is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief,general description of an environment in which embodiments may beimplemented. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electronic device that maycorrespond in whole or part to a general-purpose computing device, andis shown as a computing system environment 100. Components of thecomputing system environment 100 may include, but are not limited to, acomputing device 110 having a processing unit 120, a system memory 130,and a system bus 121 that couples various system components includingthe system memory to the processing unit 120. The system bus 121 may beany of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, sucharchitectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus, also known as Mezzanine bus.

The computing system environment 100 typically includes a variety ofcomputer-readable media products. Computer-readable media may includeany media that can be accessed by the computing device 110 and includeboth volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.By way of example, and not of limitation, computer-readable media mayinclude computer storage media and communications media. Computerstorage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but arenot limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks(DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by the computing device 110. Communications media typicallyembody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism and include any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationsmedia include wired media such as a wired network and a direct-wiredconnection and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, optical, andinfrared media. Combinations of the any of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media.

The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form ofvolatile and nonvolatile memory such as ROM 131 and RAM 132. A basicinput/output system (BIOS) 133, containing the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within the computing device110, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132typically contains data and program modules that are immediatelyaccessible to or presently being operated on by processing unit 120. Byway of example, and not limitation, FIG. 1 illustrates an operatingsystem 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, andprogram data 137. Often, the operating system 134 offers services toapplications programs 135 by way of one or more application programminginterfaces (APIs) (not shown). Because the operating system 134incorporates these services, developers of applications programs 135need not redevelop code to use the services. Examples of APIs providedby operating systems such as Microsoft's “WINDOWS” are well known in theart.

The computing device 110 may also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media products. By way of exampleonly, FIG. 1 illustrates a non-removable non-volatile memory interface(hard disk interface) 140 that reads from and writes to non-removable,non-volatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads fromand writes to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 152, and anoptical disk drive 155 that reads from and writes to a removable,non-volatile optical disk 156 such as a CD ROM. Otherremovable/nonremovable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage mediathat can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but arenot limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs,digital video tape, solid state RAM, and solid state ROM. The hard diskdrive 141 is typically connected to the system bus 121 through anon-removable memory interface, such as the interface 140, and magneticdisk drive 151 and optical disk drive 155 are typically connected to thesystem bus 121 by a removable non-volatile memory interface, such asinterface 150.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 1 provide storage of computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputing device 110. In FIG. 1, for example, hard disk drive 141 isillustrated as storing an operating system 144, application programs145, other program modules 146, and program data 147. Note that thesecomponents can either be the same as or different from the operatingsystem 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, andprogram data 137. The operating system 144, application programs 145,other program modules 146, and program data 147 are given differentnumbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are differentcopies. A user may enter commands and information into the computingdevice 110 through input devices such as a microphone 163, keyboard 162,and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, ortouch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, gamepad, satellite dish, and scanner. These and other input devices areoften connected to the processing unit 120 through a user inputinterface 160 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected byother interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port,or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 191 or other type of displaydevice is also connected to the system bus 121 via an interface, such asa video interface 190. In addition to the monitor, computers may alsoinclude other peripheral output devices such as speakers 197 and printer196, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 195.

The computing system environment 100 may operate in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computers,such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personalcomputer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device, or othercommon network node, and typically includes many or all of the elementsdescribed above relative to the computing device 110, although only amemory storage device 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 1. The logicalconnections depicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network (LAN) 171and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but may also include other networkssuch as a personal area network (PAN) (not shown). Such networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computernetworks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computing systemenvironment 100 is connected to the LAN 171 through a network interfaceor adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computingdevice 110 typically includes a modem 172 or other means forestablishing communications over the WAN 173, such as the Internet. Themodem 172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to thesystem bus 121 via the user input interface 160, or via anotherappropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to the computing device 110, or portions thereof, maybe stored in a remote memory storage device. By way of example, and notlimitation, FIG. 1 illustrates remote application programs 185 asresiding on memory device 181. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing acommunications link between the computers may be used.

In the description that follows, certain embodiments may be describedwith reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations thatare performed by one or more computing devices, such a computing device110 of FIG. 1. As such, it will be understood that such acts andoperations, which are at times referred to as being computer-executed,include the manipulation by the processing unit of the computer ofelectrical signals representing data in a structured form. Thismanipulation transforms the data or maintains them at locations in thememory system of the computer, which reconfigures or otherwise altersthe operation of the computer in a manner well understood by thoseskilled in the art. The data structures where data are maintained arephysical locations of the memory that have particular properties definedby the format of the data. However, while an embodiment is beingdescribed in the foregoing context, it is not meant to be limiting asthose of skill in the art will appreciate that the acts and operationsdescribed hereinafter may also be implemented in hardware.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suitable environment on whichembodiments may be implemented. The computing system environment 100 ofFIG. 1 is an example of a suitable environment and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of anembodiment. Neither should the environment be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in an exemplary operating environment.

Embodiments may be implemented with numerous other general-purpose orspecial-purpose computing devices and computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,and configurations that may be suitable for use with an embodimentinclude, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers,hand-held or laptop devices, personal digital assistants, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network, minicomputers, mainframe computers, anddistributed computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices.

Embodiments may be described in a general context of computer-executableinstructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer.Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects,components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. An embodiment may also bepracticed in distributed computing environments where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote computer storage mediaincluding memory storage devices.

The following include a series of illustrations depictingimplementations of processes. For ease of understanding, certainillustrations are organized such that the initial illustrations presentimplementations via an overall “big picture” viewpoint and thereafterthe following illustrations present alternate implementations and/orexpansions of the “big picture” illustrations as either sub-steps oradditional steps building on one or more earlier-presentedillustrations. This style of presentation utilized herein (e.g.,beginning with a presentation of a illustration(s) presenting an overallview and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details insubsequent illustrations) generally allows for a rapid and easyunderstanding of the various process implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an assistance corresponding to an item having apresence within a geographic locale. After a start operation, theoperational flow 200 moves to a recognition operation 210 where an itemhaving a presence within a geographic locale is identified in responseto a signal indicative of the item. At help operation 220, an end userassistance is obtained corresponding to the item having a presencewithin a geographic locale. In an embodiment, an end user includes onefor whom the item is designed and/or produced, as opposed to thoseinvolved creating, manufacturing, transporting, promoting, and/ormarketing the item. An end user may include a person, an entity, and/ora government. In another embodiment, an end user includes a consumer ofthe item. In a further embodiment, an end user assistance may includeany type of assistance for an end user. For example, an end userassistance may include an assistance for use by a user, and/or anassistance in operation of the item. In another embodiment, an end userassistance for use by the item may include, for example, an upgrade to afirmware or program present in the item, and responding to a recallnotice. A response to a recall notice may include, for example, orderinga replacement part in response to the recall notice.

In an alternative embodiment, the recognition operation 210 may includethe operation 212, wherein an item having a presence within a premisesis identified in response to a signal indicative of the item. In afurther alternative embodiment, the help operation 220 may include theoperation 222, wherein information is obtained related to operation ofthe item for an intended purpose of the item. An alternative embodimentof the help operation 220 may include the operation 224, whereininformation is obtained related to an intrinsic property of the itemhaving a presence within a geographic locale. The operational flow 200then moves to an end operation.

As used herein, in an embodiment, an item may include any object ordevice capable of having any type of identifiable presence within ageographic locale. For example and without limitation, in certainembodiments an item may include one or more of the following: anelectronic device; an appliance; a computing device, such as a personalcomputer and a server; a limited resource computing device; a pervasivecomputing device; PDA; a cell phone; a Blackberry appliance; a vehicle,such as a car, boat, and/or aircraft; an X-Box; a home gateway; aset-top box; a point-of-sale terminal; a camera; a TiVo; and anautomated teller machine. In other embodiments, an item may beincorporated within another item. In other embodiments, an item may notinclude a computing device.

FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow 300 representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an assistance corresponding to an item havingpresence within a geographic locale. After a start operation, theoperational flow 300 moves to a reception operation 310. At theoperation 310, a signal indicative of an item having a presence within ageographic locale is received. At a recognition operation 330, the itemhaving a presence within a geographic locale is identified in responseto the signal indicative of an item. At a help operation 350, an enduser assistance is obtained corresponding to the item having a presencewithin a geographic locale in response to the identification of theitem. The operational flow 300 then moves to an end operation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment wherethe reception operation 310 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include operation 312, operation314, operation 316, operation 318, operation 320, operation 322,operation 324, and operation 326. At the operation 312, a signalindicative of an identifying aspect of the item is received. Anidentifying aspect of the item may include any aspect or aspects usefulin identifying the item. For example, an identifying aspect of an itemmay include a profile, a shape, or other of distinguishable aspect ofthe item. In addition and without limitation, an identifying aspect ofthe item may include a visual signature the item, an acoustic signaturethe item, an electromagnetic signature of the item, and/or a magneticsignature of the item. At the operation 314, a signal indicative of anoptical aspect of the item is received. An optical aspect of the itemmay include any optical aspect or aspects useful in identifying theitem. For example, an optical aspect may include a known shape, forexample a robot, a ship, and a car. At the operation 316, a signalindicative of an optically readable product code associated with theitem is received. An optically readable product code associated with theitem may include any optically readable product code useful inidentifying the item. For example, an optically readable product codemay include a bar code reflecting a vehicle identification number,and/or a SKU number.

At the operation 318, a signal indicative of an acoustic aspect of theitem is received. An acoustic aspect of the item may include anyacoustic aspect or aspects useful identifying the item. For example, anacoustic aspect may include a sound of a motorcycle, such as a HarleyDavidson motorcycle. At the operation 320, a signal indicative of amagnetic aspect of the item is received. A magnetic aspect of the itemmay include a presence or absence of a magnetic characteristic of theitem. At the operation 322, a signal indicative of an alpha/numericaspect of the item is received. An alpha/numeric aspect of the item mayinclude any alpha/numeric aspect useful in identifying the item. Forexample, an alpha/numeric aspect may include a trademark, such as “Ford”on a vehicle, “Dell” on a computing device. An alpha/numeric aspect mayinclude a model number, and publicly viewable characters on a licenseplate or an aircraft registration number. At the operation 324, a signalindicative of an electronically transmitted designator associated withthe item is received. The electronically transmitted designator mayinclude any designator useful in identifying the item, such as a signaltransmitted by an RFID device. At operation 326, a signal indicative ofa magnetic designator associated with the item is received. The magneticdesignator associated with the item may be any magnetic designatoruseful identifying the item, such as a scannable magnetic stripincorporated into a card or the item.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment wherethe reception operation 310 may include at least one additionaloperation. The additional operations may include operation 328,operation 330, operation 332, operation 334, and operation 336. Atoperation 328, a signal indicative of an electromagnetic aspect of theitem is received. The electromagnetic aspect may be any aspect of theitem useful in identifying the item, such as an electromagneticsignature of the item. At operation 330, a communications mediumassociated the item is received. The communications medium associatedwith or associatable with the item may be any communications mediumassociatable and useful in identifying the item. At operation 332, acommunications medium provided by a smart tag associated with the itemis received. In a further alternative embodiment, the operation 332 mayinclude operation 334 wherein the smart tag associated with the itemincludes a radio frequency identification tag associated with the item,the identifying an item having a presence within a geographic localeincludes identifying an item having a presence within a premises.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherethe reception operation 350 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include operation 351, operation358, and operation 360. At operation 351, a manual corresponding to theitem is obtained. Operation 351 may include additional operations, suchas operation 352, and operation 356. At operation 352, a tangible manualcorresponding to the item is obtained. Operation 352 may include anadditional operation 354, wherein a tangible manual in a printed formatis obtained. In other alternative embodiments, operation 351 may includeobtaining an intangible manual, and the intangible manual may include amanual having a digital format. At operation 356, the obtaining a manualmay include a portion of another manual corresponding to the item. Atoperation 358, at least one end user assistance is obtained by selectingfrom a group including a simplified user assistance and an advanced userassistance. At operation 360, the obtaining an end user assistancecorresponding to the item includes obtaining a user informationcorresponding to the item.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment wherethe reception operation 350 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include operation 362, operation364, operation 366, operation 368, operation 370, operation 372, andoperation 374. At operation 362, a user instruction corresponding to theitem is obtained. At operation 364, a user education corresponding tothe item is obtained. At operation 366, a user operation instructioncorresponding to the item is obtained. At operation 368, an at leastsubstantially real-time human communication is obtained a providing, anend user assistance corresponding to the item. At operation 370, an enduser assistance is obtained from an original manufacturer of the item.At operation 372, an end user assistance corresponding to the item isdelivered over a network. In another alternative embodiment, an end userassistance corresponding to the item is delivered by a mail service,such as the U.S. Post Office or a private mail service. At operation374, the obtaining an end user assistance corresponding to the itemincludes requesting the end user assistance corresponding to the item.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIG. 2 that includes a retention operation 380.At operation 380, the end user assistance corresponding to the item issaved. An alternative embodiment of the operation 380 may include atleast one additional operation. Additional operations may includeoperation 382, operation 384, operation 386, operation 388, operation389, operation 390, an operation 391. At the operation 382, the end userassistance is saved in a digital form. At operation 384, the end userassistance is saved on a computer readable storage medium. At operation386, the end user assistance is saved on a computer storage medium otherthan a computer storage medium associated with the item. At operation388, the end user assistance is printed. At operation 389, the end userassistance is saved in response to a permission by a user. At operation390, the end user assistance is saved in response to a user input. Atoperation 391, the end user assistance is saved in a computing devicecontrolled by a user. An alternative embodiment of the operation 391includes operation 392, wherein the end user assistance is saved in aportable computing device controlled by the user.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIGS. 3 and 8. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodimentwhere the retention operation 380 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include operations 393 throughoperation 398. At operation 393, the end user assistance is saved inresponse to the identifying an item. At operation 394, the saving theend user assistance corresponding to the item includes acquiring an enduser assistance corresponding to the item. An alternative embodiment ofthe operation 394 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include operations 395 and operation 396. Atoperation 395, an end user assistance corresponding to the item isreceived through a communication medium. For example, the communicationsmedium may include a modulated data stream, which may be received over awired and/or wired network connection. At operation 396, an end userassistance corresponding to the aspect of the item is received from acomputer storage medium. The computer storage medium may include anymedium suitable for conveyance of the end user assistance. For example,the computer storage medium may include a DVD, a CD, a diskette, anexternal hard drive, and a portable flash memory device. At operation397, the acquiring an end user assistance corresponding to the itemincludes following a link to an end user assistance corresponding to theaspect of the item. The link may include a hyperlink. At operation 398,an end user assistance corresponding to the item maybe acquired from theitem.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 300 of FIG. 3 that includes a broadcast operation 376.At the operation 376, the end user assistance corresponding to the itemis provided.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct 400 that includes a computer program 404 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the exemplarycomputer program product 400 is provided using a computer-readablemedium 402, and includes computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions encode the computer program 404 for executing ona computing device a process that includes receiving a signal indicativeof an item having a presence within a geographic locale, identifying theitem in response to the signal indicative of an item, and obtaining anend user assistance corresponding to the item. The computer-readablemedium 402 may be carried by a computer-readable carrier (not shown).The computer-readable medium 402 may include a computer storage medium,which may be carried by a computer-readable carrier (not shown). Thecomputer-readable medium 402 may include a communications medium (notshown).

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary system 405 in which embodimentsmay be implemented. The system 405 includes a computing systemenvironment, illustrated as the computing system environment 100 ofFIG. 1. The system 405 also includes a sensor 420 operable to provide asignal 425 indicative of an item 430 having a presence within ageographic locale 410. The computing device 110 includes an operabilityto receive the signal 425 indicative of an item 430. The system 405further includes a computer program product encoding a computer programfor executing on a computing device a computer process for obtaining anend user assistance, such as the computer program product 400 describedin conjunction with FIG. 11. The computer process includes receiving thesignal 425 indicative of an item having a presence within a geographiclocale 410, and identifying the item in response to the signalindicative of an item. The computer process also includes obtaining anend user assistance corresponding to the item having a presence within ageographic locale.

In an embodiment, the geographic locale may include any environment inwhich one more items, such as the item 430, may have a presence. Thegeographic locale may include a bounded environment. For example andwithout limitation, in certain embodiments, the geographic locale mayinclude a portion of a residential premises or the entire residentialpremises. The premises may be under control of one or more persons, suchas an individual or a family. In other embodiments, the geographiclocale may include a portion of a business premises or the entirebusiness premises.

The sensor 420 may include any type of sensor suitable for generating asignal indicative of an item having a presence within its sensing and/ordetection range, such as the signal 425 indicative of the item 430. Byway of example and without limitation, in an embodiment, the sensor 420may be positioned in a premises entrance such that items entering andleaving the premises have a presence at some time proximate to thesensor. In another embodiment, the sensor 420 may be physically locatedwithin the geographic locale 410. In a further embodiment, the sensor420 may be proximate to the geographic locale 410 and operable toprovide the signal 425 indicative of an item 430 having a presencewithin the geographic locale.

In an alternative embodiment, the system 405 may include a plurality(not shown) of the sensors 420. The plurality of sensors may include atleast two sensors having different sensing parameters, each respectivelyoperable to provide a different signal 425 indicative of the item 430.FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate certain alternative embodiments of the sensor420 and a proximate environment, illustrated as embodiments 420A-420 Dand geographic locales 410A-410D.

FIG. 13A illustrates an alternative embodiment that includes a sensor420A located within a geographic locale 410A. The sensor 420A includesan optical sensor parameter operable to provide a signal 425A indicativeof an optical aspect of an item 430A within the geographic locale,illustrated as a known shape of the robot 3CPO. An optical aspect mayinclude any optical aspect or aspects useful in identifying the item.FIG. 13B illustrates an alternative embodiment that includes a sensor420B positioned with a geographic locale 410B. The sensor 420B includesan optical sensor parameter operable to provide a signal 425B indicativeof an alpha/numeric aspect of the item 430B within the geographiclocale, illustrated as a license plate number XY 033 of a car.

FIG. 13C illustrates an alternative embodiment that includes a sensor420C located within a geographic locale 410C. The sensor 420C includesan identification signal sensor parameter operable to receive anelectronically transmitted designator (not shown) associated with theitem and provide a signal 425C indicative of item. The item isillustrated as a refrigerator 430C with an associated electronicallytransmitted designator. For example, the electronically transmitteddesignator may be transmitted by an RFID device. FIG. 13D illustrates analternative embodiment that includes a sensor 420D positioned within ageographic locale 410D. The sensor 420D includes an optical code readerparameter operable to provide a signal 425D indicative of an opticallyreadable aspect or aspects useful in identifying the item 430D. The item430D is illustrated as video camera with an optically readable bar code.The signals 425A-425D are received by the computing device 110 ofcomputing system environment 100 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system 450 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 450 includes a stationary sensor module 455operable to generate a signal indicative of an item within a sensingrange of the sensor module. In an embodiment, the stationary sensormodule 455 is placed in a location selected to sense one or more itemsthat may be under control of a user over time. While the stationarysensor module 455 may be relatively permanently located in anembodiment, another embodiment provides the stationary sensor module 455being relatively moveable within a premises. The system 450 alsoincludes a recognition module 460 operable to identify the item inresponse to the signal indicative of an item, and a receiver module 465operable to obtain an end user assistance corresponding to theidentified item. In an alternative embodiment, the system 450 mayinclude a storage module 470 operable to save the end user assistancecorresponding to the item.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operational flow 500 representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an assistance corresponding to an item havingpresence within a geographic locale. After a start operation, theoperational flow 500 moves to an acquisition operation 510, wherein asignal indicative of an aspect of an item having a presence within ageographic locale is received, such as the signal 425 indicative of theitem 420 with the geographic locale 410 of FIG. 12. At a recognitionoperation 520, the item is identified in response to the signalindicative of an aspect of an item having a presence within a geographiclocale. Operational flow 500 moves to a reception operation 530, wherethe end user assistance corresponding to the aspect of the item isobtained. In an alternative embodiment, the operation 530 may include anoperation 532, wherein the end user assistance corresponding to anaspect of an item includes a manual corresponding to the aspect of anitem. In an alternative embodiment, the reception operation may includean operation (not shown) wherein a manual corresponding to the aspect ofthe item is obtained. The manual may include any content associated withthe item, such as assistance information, instructions, andspecifications. The operational flow 500 then moves to an end operation.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 500 of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment wherethe reception operation 510 may include at least one additionaloperation. The additional operations may include an operation 512, anoperation 514, an operation 516, an operation 518, and an operation 519.At operation 512, a signal indicative of an aspect of an item having apresence within a premises is received. At operation 514, a signalindicative of a state of the item is received. At the operation 516, asignal indicative of an intrinsic state of the item is received. At theoperation 518, a signal indicative of an extrinsic state of the item isreceived. At the operation 519, a signal indicative of an illuminationstate of an aspect of the item is received.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 500 of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment wherethe operational flow 500 may include a discovery operation 540, agenerating operation 545, and a requesting operation 550. The discoveryoperation 540 includes detecting the presence of the aspect of an itemwithin the geographic locale. In a further alternative embodiment, thediscovery operation 540 may include an operation 542. At operation 542,the presence of the aspect of an item within the geographic locale isdetected in an absence of a received user input. At the operation 545,the signal indicative of an item having a presence within a geographiclocale is generated. At the request an operation 550, the end userassistance corresponding to the aspect of an item is requested. In afurther alternative embodiment, the request operation 550 may include anoperation 552. At operation 552, an end user assistance corresponding tothe aspect of the item is requested over a network. The requesting enduser assistance over a network may include requesting an end userassistance from a server. The operational flow 500 may in anotherembodiment include a providing operation (not shown). The providingoperation includes providing the end user assistance corresponding tothe aspect of the item.

FIG. 18 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct 560 that includes a computer program 564 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the exemplarycomputer program product 560 may be provided using a computer-readablemedium 562, and includes computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions encode the computer program 564 for executing ona computing device a process that includes receiving a signal indicativeof an aspect of an item having a presence within a geographic locale,and identifying the item in response to the signal indicative of anaspect of an item having a presence within a geographic locale. Thecomputer program 564 also includes obtaining an end user assistancecorresponding to the aspect of the item, and saving the end userassistance corresponding to the aspect of the item. In certainembodiments, the computer program 564 may also include at least oneadditional process, such as a process 568, a process 570, a process 572,and a process 574. The process 568 includes detecting a presence of theitem within a geographic locale. The process 570 includes generating asignal indicative of the aspect of an item. The process 572 includesrequesting the end user assistance corresponding to aspect of the item.The process 574 includes providing the end user assistance correspondingto the aspect of the item. The computer-readable medium 562 may includea computer storage medium, which may be carried by a computer-readablecarrier (not shown). The computer-readable medium 562 may include acommunications medium (not shown).

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary system 600 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 600 includes a computing system environment thatincludes a computing device, illustrated as the computing device 10 ofFIG. 1. The system 600 also includes the sensor 420 operable to generatea signal (not shown) indicative of an aspect of the item 430 having apresence within the geographic locale 410. The computing device 110includes a storage medium 612, and is operable to receive the signalindicative of an aspect of an item through a coupling 605 between thesensor 420 and the computing device 110. The storage medium 612 may beany computer storage media. The system 600 further includes computerexecutable instructions 620 that when executed on the computing devicecauses the computing device to receive the signal indicative of anaspect of an item having a presence within the geographic locale, andidentify the aspect of the item. The instructions further obtain an enduser assistance corresponding to the aspect of the item, and save theend user assistance corresponding to the aspect of an item on thestorage medium 612. The computer executable instructions 620 may includeat least one additional operation. At operation 622, the instruction d)to save the end user assistance corresponding to the aspect of an itemincludes an instruction to save the end user assistance corresponding tothe aspect of an item in response to a received user permission. Atoperation 624, the instruction d) to save the end user assistancecorresponding to the aspect of an item includes an instruction to savethe end user assistance corresponding to the aspect of an item inresponse to another instruction executed on the computing device 110.

FIG. 20 illustrates an operational flow 700 representing exemplaryoperations that save an end user assistance corresponding to an itemhaving presence within a geographic locale. After a start operation, theoperational flow 700 moves to a recognition operation 710 wherein anitem having a presence within a geographic locale is identified. Atdiscovery operation 720, a determination is made if an end userassistance corresponding to the item is saved in a computer storagemedium local to the geographic locale. At termination operation 730, theoperational flow 700 is ended if an end user assistance corresponding tothe item is saved in the local computer storage medium. Otherwise, theoperation flow 700 moves to retention operation 740, wherein an end userassistance corresponding to the item is saved in the local computerstorage medium. The operational flow 700 then moves to an end operation.

In an alternative embodiment, the recognition operation 710 may includea sensing operation 715. At operation 715, a presence of the item withinthe geographic locale is detected. In another embodiment, the discoveryoperation 720 may include an operation 725. At the operation 725, adetermination is made that an end user assistance corresponding to theitem is not saved in the local computer storage medium if the localcomputer storage medium does not include a most current version of theend user assistance corresponding to the item.

FIG. 21 illustrates an operational flow 750 representing exemplaryoperations implemented in a computing device for receiving an end userassistance corresponding to an item having presence within a geographiclocale. After a start operation, the operational flow 750 moves to adiscovery operation 760 wherein a detector is allowed to generate asignal indicative of an item having a presence within a geographiclocale. At operation 770, the operational flow 750 includes waitingwhile a computing system receives the signal indicative of the item,identifies the item in response to the signal, acquiring an end userassistance corresponding to the item, and delivers the end userassistance corresponding to the item. At operation 775, the end userassistance is received. The operational flow 750 then moves to an endoperation. In an alternative embodiment, the discovery operation 760 mayinclude an additional operation, such as an operation 765. At theoperation 765, the item and the detector are positioned within adetection range that allows the detector to generate a signal indicativeof the item. In a further alternative embodiment, the operational flow750 may include an additional operation 780. The operation 780 includesa waiting while the computing device saves the end user assistancecorresponding to the item in a local computer storage medium.

FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow 800 representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an end user assistance corresponding to anoperative coupling between a plurality of electronic devices. After astart operation, the operational flow 800 moves to a recognitionoperation 810 wherein an operative coupling is detected between a firstelectronic device and a second electronic device. The first and secondelectronic devices each having a presence in a geographic locale. In anembodiment, the first electronic device and the second electronic deviceboth have a generally simultaneous presence within the geographiclocale. At help operation 850, an end user assistance is obtainedcorresponding to the operative coupling. The operational flow 800 thenmoves to an end operation. In an embodiment, an operative coupling mayinclude any communication of data and/or information between a sendingelectronic device and a receiving electronic device. In anotherembodiment, an operative coupling includes a two-way communication ofdata and/or information between electronic devices. In a furtherembodiment, an operative coupling between a first electronic device andsecond electronic device includes both devices having a functionality tomutually communicate without regard to whether a communication has everoccurred.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 800 of FIG. 22. FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment wherethe recognition operation 810 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 812, anoperation 814, an operation 816, an operation 818, an operation 820, anoperation 822, an operation 824, and an operation 826. At operation 812,a signal transmitted between the first electronic device and the secondtime device is received. At the operation 814, a wireless signaltransmitted between a first electronic device and a second electronicdevice is detected. At the operation 816, a signal indicative of a firstelectronic device is received and a signal indicative of a secondelectronic device is received. At the operation 818, an interactionbetween a first electronic device and a second electronic device isdetected. At the operation 820, an interactable coupling between a firstelectronic device and a second electronic device is detected. At theoperation 822, a wired interactable coupling is detected between a firstelectronic device and a second electronic device. At the operation 824,a wireless interactable coupling is detected between a first electronicdevice and a second electronic device. At the operation 826, a firstelectronic device is detected operatively coupled through anintermediary device with a second electronic device.

FIG. 24 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 800 of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment wherethe recognition operation 810 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 828, anoperation 830, and operation 832, an operation 834, an operation 836,and an operation 838. At the operation 828, the first electronic deviceis queried about first electronic device operative couplings with thesecond electronic device. At the operation 830, the operative couplingbetween the first electronic device and the second electronic device isidentified. At the operation 832, an operative coupling is detectedbetween a first computing device and a second electronic device. At theoperation 834, an operative coupling is detected between a firstelectronic device and a hardware device. At the operation 836, anoperative coupling is detected between a first computing device and asecond computing device. At the operation 838, the second electronicdevice includes a thin computing device.

FIG. 25 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 800 of FIG. 22. FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment wherethe help operation 850 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 852, an operation 854, anoperation 856, an operation 858, an operation 860, an operation 862, anoperation 864, an operation 866, and an operation 868. At the operation852, a user information corresponding to the operative coupling isobtained. At the operation 854, a user instruction corresponding to theoperative coupling is obtained. At the operation 856, a user educationcorresponding to the operative coupling is obtained. At the operation858, an operational information corresponding to the operative couplingis obtained. At the operation 860, a portion of another user assistancecorresponding to the operative coupling is obtained. At the operation862, an interactive human communication providing an end user assistancecorresponding to the operative coupling is obtained. At the operation864, an end user assistance corresponding to the operative coupling isobtained from an original manufacturer of the electronic device. At theoperation 866, an end user assistance corresponding to the operativecoupling is obtained over a network. At the operation 868, an end userassistance corresponding to the operative coupling is obtained over theInternet.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 800 of FIG. 22. FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment wherethe operational flow 800 may include at least one additional operation870. Additional operations may include a recognition operation 872, acall operation 874, and a storage operation 876. At the recognitionoperation 872, the operative coupling is identified. At the calloperation 874, the end user assistance corresponding to the operativecoupling is requested. At the storage operation 876, the end userassistance corresponding to the operative coupling is saved.

FIG. 27 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct 900 that includes a computer program 904 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the exemplarycomputer program product 900 may be provided using a computer-readablemedium 902, and includes computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions encode the computer program 904 for executing ona computer system a process that includes identifying an operativecoupling between a first electronic device and a second electronicdevice, the first and second electronic devices having a presence in ageographic locale. The process also includes obtaining an end userassistance corresponding to the operative coupling. In an alternativeembodiment, the process may include at least one additional instruction.Additional instructions may include instruction 906, instruction 908,and instruction 910. At instruction 906, the process includes receivinga signal indicative of the operative coupling between a first electronicdevice and a second electronic device. At the instruction 908, theprocess includes saving the end user assistance corresponding to theoperative coupling. At the instruction 910, the process includesproviding the end user assistance corresponding to the operativecoupling. The computer-readable medium 902 may include a computerstorage medium, which may be carried by a computer-readable carrier (notshown). The computer-readable medium 902 may include a communicationsmedium (not shown).

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary system 930 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 930 includes a computing system environment,illustrated as the computing system environment 100 and the computingdevice 110 of FIG. 2. The system 930 may include a sensor, such as thesensor 420, operable to provide a signal, such as the signal 425indicative of a plurality of items each having a presence within thegeographic locale 410. The plurality of items is illustrated as anelectronic device 430E and an electronic device 430F. FIG. 28illustrates an operative coupling 940 between the electronic device 430Eand electronic device 430F. The operative coupling 940 may include anytype of operative coupling. For example and without limitation, theoperative coupling 940 may include a wired coupling, and/or a wirelesscoupling. The computing device 110 includes an operability to receive asignal indicative of the operative coupling 940 between the firstelectronic device 430E and the second electronic device 430F. Thecomputing device 110 further includes a computer program productencoding a computer program for executing on the computing device acomputer process for obtaining an end user assistance corresponding tothe operative coupling 940. The computer process includes instructionsthat when executed on the computing device cause the computing device toidentify the operative coupling between a first electronic device and asecond electronic device in response to the signal indicative of anoperative coupling, and obtain an end user assistance corresponding tothe identified operative coupling. In an alternative embodiment, thefirst electronic device 430E may include the computing device 110. Infurther alternative embodiments, the instructions may include saving theend user assistance, and/or providing the end user assistance.

FIG. 29 includes an exemplary system 980 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 980 includes a recognition module 982, anacquisition module 986, and a sensor module 988. The recognition module982 includes operability to identify a data communication between afirst electronic device and a second electronic device, the first andsecond electronic devices having a presence in a geographic locale. Theacquisition module 986 includes operability to obtain an end userassistance corresponding to the detected data communication between afirst electronic device and a second electronic device. The sensormodule 988 includes operability to detect the data communication betweena first electronic device and a second electronic device. In analternative embodiment, the system 980 may include at least oneadditional module. An additional module may include a storage module 990operable to save the end user assistance.

FIG. 30 illustrates an operational flow 1300 representing exemplaryoperations that obtain an end user assistance corresponding to an atleast substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device. After a start operation, the operation flow1300 moves to a sensing operation 1310. At the sensing operation 1310, afirst electronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device isdetected. At an acquisition operation 1340, an end user assistancecorresponding to an at least substantially common aspect of the firstelectronic device and the second electronic device is obtained. Theoperational flow 1300 then moves to an end operation. In an alternativeembodiment, the operational flow 1300 may include one or more additionaloperations, such as an operation 1360. At the operation 1360, the enduser assistance is provided.

FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1300 of FIG. 30. The sensing operation 1310 may includeone or more additional operations. The additional operations may includean operation 1312, an operation 1314, an operation 1316, an operation1318, an operation 1320, and an operation 1322. At the operation 1312,an operative local coupling is detected between a first electronicdevice and a second electronic device. In an alternative embodiment, theoperative local coupling may include a coupling directly between thefirst and second electronic devices, and not through an intermediatedevice. In another alternative embodiment, the operative local couplingmay include a coupling between the first and second electronic devicesthrough an intermediate device, wherein the first and second electronicdevices and the intermediate device are all located within a premises,such as a residential premises and/or a business premises. At theoperation 1314, a first electronic device is optically detected in aproximity to a second electronic device. At the operation 1316, at leastone of the first electronic device and the second electronic device isqueried to detect a first electronic device in a proximity to a secondelectronic device. At the operation 1318, both of the first electronicdevice and the second electronic device are queried to detect a firstelectronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device. Forexample, in an embodiment, both the first and second electronic devicesmay be queried for their GPS coordinates, and proximity detected bycomparing the GPS coordinates. At the operation 1320, a signalindicative of a first electronic device in a proximity to a secondelectronic device is detected. In an embodiment, the detecting mayinclude detecting a presence of a substantially common low power tunersignal, such as a heterodyne signal, RFID signals, emitted sounds,signals transmitted on a preselected frequency and/or frequenciescommonly used by portable wireless devices. At the operation 1322, an atleast substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device are detected. For example, in an embodiment,the first and second electronic devices may be queried for addressbooks, contact lists, favorites lists, and/or channel presets. Theoperation 1322 may include one or more additional operations, such asthe operation 1324. At the operation 1324, an at least substantiallycommon characteristic emitted by a first electronic device and a secondelectronic device is detected.

FIG. 32 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1300 of FIG. 30. The sensing operation 1310 may includeone or more additional operations, such as the operation 1326. At theoperation 1326, a first electronic device and a second electronic deviceare detected within a geographic locale. The operation 1326 may includeone or more additional operations. The additional operations may includean operation 1328, an operation 1330, and an operation 1332. At theoperation 1328, a first electronic device and a second electronic deviceare detected within a premises. At the operation 1330, a firstelectronic device and a second electronic device are detected within aresidential premises. At the operation 1332, a first electronic deviceand a second electronic device are detected within a business premises.

FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1300 of FIG. 30. The acquisition operation 1340 mayinclude one or more additional operations. The additional operations mayinclude an operation 1342, an operation 1344, an operation 1346, and anoperation 1348. At the operation 1342, an end user assistance isobtained corresponding to an at least substantially common operabilitythat saves user-centric data of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device. At the operation 1344, an end user assistanceis obtained corresponding to an at least substantially commonoperability that saves user information of the first electronic deviceand the second electronic device. At the operation 1346, an end userassistance is obtained corresponding to an at least substantially commonoperability that saves user preferences of the first electronic deviceand the second electronic device. At the operation 1348, an end userassistance is obtained corresponding to an at least substantially commonaspect.

FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1300 of FIG. 30. The acquisition operation 1340 mayinclude one or more additional operations. The additional operations mayinclude an operation 1350, and operation 1352, an operation 1354, and anoperation 1356. At the operation 1350, a user instruction is obtainedcorresponding to an at least substantially common aspect of the firstelectronic device and the second electronic device. At the operation1352, a user education is obtained corresponding to a substantiallycommon state of the electronic device of the first electronic device andthe second electronic device. At the operation 1354, an operationalinformation is obtained corresponding to a substantially common state ofthe electronic device of the first electronic device and the secondelectronic device. At the operation 1356, an end user assistance isobtained from a portion of another user assistance.

FIG. 35 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct 1380 that includes a computer program 1384 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the exemplarycomputer program product 1380 may be provided using a computer-readablemedium 1382, and includes computer executable instructions. The computerproduct 1380 encodes the computer program 1384 for executing on acomputing device a computer process that includes detecting a firstelectronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device, andobtaining an end user assistance corresponding to an at leastsubstantially common aspect of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device. In an alternative embodiment, the process mayinclude at least one additional instruction, such as an instruction1386. At the instruction 1386, the process includes providing the enduser assistance. The computer-readable medium 1382 may include acomputer storage medium, which may be carried by a computer-readablecarrier (not shown). The computer-readable medium 1382 may include acommunications medium (not shown).

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary system 1400 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 1400 includes a computing device, illustrated asthe computing device 110 of FIG. 2. The system 1400 may include adetector 1405 operable to generate a signal indicative of a firstelectronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device, which isillustrated as a first electronic device 1402 and a second electronicdevice 1404 located within the geographic locale 410. The computingdevice 110 includes an operability to receive the signal indicative of afirst electronic device 1402 in a proximity to the second atomic device1404. The detector 1405 and the computing device 110 are coupled by acoupler, such as the coupler 605 of FIG. 19. The computing device 110further includes a computer program product encoding a computer programfor executing on the computing device a computer process for obtainingan end user assistance. The computer process includes instructions 1430that when executed on the computing device cause the computing device todetect a first electronic device in a proximity to a second electronicdevice, and obtain an end user assistance corresponding to an at leastsubstantially common aspect of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device. In an alternative embodiment, the computerprocess may include additional instructions, such as to provide the enduser assistance. In an embodiment, the first electronic device 1402 mayinclude the computing device 110. In another embodiment, the computingdevice 110 may include the first electronic device 1402.

FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary system 1450 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 1450 includes a monitoring module 1452, and anacquisition module 1454. The monitoring module 1452 includes anoperability to detect a first electronic device in a proximity to asecond electronic device. The acquisition module 1454 includes anoperability to obtain an end user assistance corresponding to an atleast substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and thesecond electronic device. In an alternative embodiment, the system 1450may include one or more additional modules, such as a broadcast module1456. The broadcast module 1456 includes an operability to provide theend user assistance.

FIG. 38 illustrates a brief, general description of a supply-chainenvironment 10 in which embodiments may be implemented. A supply chain,such as the supply chain 12, may include a series of movements of anitem 14 from its manufacturer to a retailer's shelf or to anothermanufacturer that integrates the item into another product. A supplychain may include a linked set of resources and processes that beginswith the sourcing of raw material for an item, and extends through thedelivery of the item to the final customer. A supply chain may includevendors, manufacturing facilities, logistics providers, transportationentities, internal distribution centers, distributors, wholesalers, andall other entities that lead up to a final customer acceptance. Anextended supply chain for a given company may also include secondaryvendors to their immediate vendors, and the customers of their immediatecustomers.

For example, the item 14 may travel the supply chain 12 that originatesat an originator 20, such as a manufacturer, miner, or grower, and thatterminates at a retailer 30 or an integrator 28. If the supply chainterminates at a supply room 29 of the retailer 30 or the retail displayof the retailer, the item may ultimately move to a retail customer/user.If the supply chain terminates at the integrator 28, the item 14 may beincorporated into another product or repackaged and move along anothersupply chain that originates with the integrator. Between the originator20 and the retailer 30 or integrator 28, the item 14 may have a presencewithin a geographic locale controlled by a dockside container storageentity 22. The item 14 may also have a presence within a geographiclocale controlled by distribution center entity 24, and may have apresence in a warehouse controlled by a warehouse entity 26.

The item 14 may be moved along the supply chain 12 by one or more formsof conveyance. For example, a ocean shipping entity 36 may convey theitem between a dock controlled by the dockside container storage entity22 and a distribution center controlled by the distribution centerentity 24. By way of further example, a truck shipment enterprise entity32 may convey the item between the distribution center and a warehousecontrolled by a warehouse entity 26. In a further example, an air cargoentity 34 may convey the item between the warehouse 26 and the storeroom32.

Technology may benefit a supply chain by providing an ability to trackand identify the item 14 as the item moves through the supply chain 12.Benefits may be provided by combining unique product codes and/oridentifying symbols, such as the Electronic Product Code (EPC) system,and identification technology, including bar code and radio frequencyidentification (RFID) technologies. A tracked and/or identified item mayinclude an individual product, a case of a product, and/or a pallet ofproducts.

In the illustrated supply chain environment 10, one or more of theentities along the supply chain 12 may have a network-capable computersystem (not shown) operable to identify the item 14 when it is presentin their facilities or conveyance. In addition, the one or more entitiesmay associate information with the item 14 when it is present in theirfacilities or conveyance. Such associated information may includehistorical information, such as when the item was present, who deliveredit, to who it was delivered, and conditions associated with itspresence, such as time, date, temperature, impacts, or vibration. Suchassociated information may also include information obtained from athird party.

In addition to the parties described above that have possession of theitem during its movement along the supply chain 14, other parties mayhave an interest in the item and/or may have information relevant to theitem. For example, such other parties may include a regulatory agency, afinancing entity, a third-party database, and/or a trade association.One or more of these parties may have a network-capable computer system(not shown) operable to associate information with the item 14.

FIG. 39 illustrates an operational flow 1500 representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations that obtain a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to an item having a presence within a geographic locale.In an embodiment, the geographic locale may include any environment inwhich one or more items in a supply chain may have a presence. Inanother embodiment, a geographic locale may include a boundedenvironment. In a further embodiment, a geographic locale may include anenclosed premises. For example and without limitation, in certainembodiments, a geographic locale may include a portion of a distributioncenter, a warehouse, a storeroom, a retail store, and/or a retail shelf.A geographic locale may be part of a premises or an entire premises. Ageographic locale may be under control of one or more persons and/orentities, such as a manufacturer, an enterprise, a wholesaler, adistributor, a retailer, a business and/or an individual. In anembodiment, a geographic locale may include a transport operable toconvey an item along a supply chain, such as a ship, a truck, a train,and/or an airplane.

In an embodiment, a supply-chain assistance may include any thing thatmay help, aid, support, and/or assist a supply-chain user. In anembodiment, a supply-chain user may be anyone directly or indirectlyassociated with a supply chain, such as the supply chain 12, in which anitem, such as the item 14, is moving. In another embodiment, asupply-chain user may be anyone who might benefit from receivingsupply-chain assistance corresponding to the item, such as a productmanager whose responsibilities include retailing the item, or a managerof a store that will stock the item. In a further embodiment, asupply-chain user may include a person or entity involved in conveyingor moving the item along a supply chain, such as a shipper.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1500 moves to arecognition operation 1510 where an item having a presence within ageographic locale is identified in response to a signal indicative ofthe item. The item may include an individual product, a case of aproduct, and/or a pallet of products. At a search operation 1520, afirst instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item is obtained from a first source and a second instance ofa supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item isobtained from a second source. At a combination operation 1580, thefirst supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance areaggregated. The operational flow 1500 then moves to an end operation.

FIG. 40 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The recognition operation 1510 mayinclude one or more additional operations. Additional operations mayinclude an operation 1512, an operation 1514, and an operation 1516. Atthe operation 1512, at least one of a product, a raw material, or amanufactured good is identified having a presence within a geographiclocale. At the operation 1514, an item is identified having a presencewithin at least one of a distribution center premises, a retail storestorage premises, or a warehouse premises. At the operation 1516, anitem is identified having a presence within a conveyance. The operation1516 may include at least one additional operation, such as an operation1518. At the operation 1518, an item is identified having a presencewithin at least one of a seagoing vessel, a surface vehicle, or anaircraft.

FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The search operation 1520 may includeone or more additional operations. Additional operations may include anoperation 1522, an operation 1526, and an operation 1527. At theoperation 1522, a first instance of a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item is obtained from a first sourceover a network. The operation 1522 may include one or more additionaloperations. Additional operations may include an operation 1523 anoperation 1524, and an operation 1525. At the operation 1523, a secondinstance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identifieditem is obtained from a second source over the network. At the operation1524, a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item is obtained from a first source over a network thatincludes at least one of a local area network, a wide area network, aprivate network, a public network, or the Internet. In an alternativeembodiment, a network may include a temporary network, a decentralizednetwork, a self-assembling network, an ad hoc network, and/or amulti-hop network.

At the operation 1525, a first instance of a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item is obtained from a first sourceover a network that includes at least one of a private global computernetwork or a public global computer network. At the operation 1526, afirst instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item is obtained from a first domain and a second instance ofa supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item isobtained from a second domain. At the operation 1527, a second instanceof a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item isobtained from a second source that is independent from the first source.

FIG. 42 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The search operation 1520 may includeone or more additional operations. Additional operations may includeoperations 1528 through 1533. At the operation 1528, a first instance ofinformation is obtained corresponding to a history of the item during apresence of the item in a supply chain. At the operation 1529, a secondinstance of information corresponding to a history of the item during apresence of the item in a supply chain is obtained. At the operation1530, a first instance of supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item is obtained from a third party database. At theoperation 1531, a second instance of supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item is obtained from a third partydatabase. At the operation 1532, a first instance of supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item is obtained from a tradeassociation. At the operation 1533, a second instance of supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item is obtained from a tradeassociation.

FIG. 43 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The search operation 1520 may includeone or more additional operations. Additional operations may includeoperations 1534 through 1539. At the operation 1534, a first instance ofsupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item is obtainedfrom a regulatory agency. At the operation 1535, a second instance ofsupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item is obtainedfrom a regulatory agency. At the operation 1536, a first instance of asecurity interest information corresponding to the identified item isobtained from a first source. In an embodiment, a security interest mayinclude an assignment of a security interest, a perfected securityinterest, or an unperfected security interest.

At the operation 1537, a second instance of a security interestinformation corresponding to the identified item is obtained from asecond source. At the operation 1538, a first instance of a commercialinterest information corresponding to the identified item is obtainedfrom a first source. In an embodiment, a commercial interest informationmay include information related to a assignment of an interest in theitem, a letter of credit, a letter-of-credit right, a guarantor'sinterest, an inventory financing agreement, or assignment of rights. Atthe operation 1539, a second instance of a commercial interestinformation corresponding to the identified item is obtained from asecond source.

FIG. 44 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The search operation 1520 may includeone or more additional operations. Additional operations may includeoperations 1540 through 1545. At the operation 1540, a first instance ofa product recall information corresponding to the identified item isobtained from a first source. At the operation 1541, a first instance ofa sales promotion information corresponding to the identified item isobtained from a first source. In an alternative embodiment, the salespromotion may include a manufacturer's sales promotion. At the operation1542, a first instance of a retail coupon information corresponding theitem is obtained from a first source. In an alternative embodiment, theretail coupon may include a manufacturer's retail coupon. At theoperation 1543, a first instance of a retail rebate informationcorresponding to the item is obtained from a first source. In analternative embodiment, the retail rebate for the item may include amanufacturer's retail rebate for the item. At the operation 1544, afirst instance of a grey market status information corresponding to theitem is obtained from a first source. At the operation 1545, a firstinstance of a stolen property status information corresponding to theitem is obtained from a first source.

FIG. 45 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The search operation 1520 may includeone or more additional operations. Additional operations may includeoperations 1546 through 1552. At the operation 1546, a first instance ofinformation corresponding to at least another one of the item availablefor wholesale purchase is obtained from a first source. For example, inan embodiment, the information may correspond to quantities of the itemstored in another distribution warehouse and available for wholesalepurchase by management of a geographic locale, such as the distributionwarehouse in which the item is present and identified. This assistanceprovides the management of the warehouse an option to cover shortages ofan item in their distribution warehouse by purchasing additional stockfrom another distribution warehouse. At the operation 1547, a firstinstance of retail pricing information by at least one retailer andcorresponding to the item is obtained from a first source. For example,in an embodiment, management of a storeroom may receive assistance in aform of at least one retail price being charged by another retailer forthe item having a presence within the storeroom. At the operation 1548,a first instance of advertising campaign information corresponding tothe item is obtained from a first source. The advertising campaignrelated to the item may include a current, and/or future advertisingcampaign. The information may be received over the global computernetwork from a home office, another retailer, a wholesaler, and/or athird party.

At the operation 1549, a first instance of retail merchandisinginformation corresponding to the item is obtained from a first source.In an embodiment, the retail merchandising for the item includes a shelfand/or aisle location within a store, a suggestion for displaying,and/or a suggestion for attracting shopper attention. At the operation1550, a first instance of transportation information corresponding tothe item is obtained from a first source. In an embodiment, informationcorresponding to transporting may include appropriate climate controlinformation, vibration and shock limitation information, and/orhazardous material classification. At the operation 1551, a firstinstance of storage information corresponding to the item is obtainedfrom a first source. In an embodiment, a storage information may includea warehouse-storage information, a conveyance-storage information, or aretail-space storage information. For example, a conveyance-storageinformation may include information corresponding to limitations ontemperature or vibration. By way of further example, aretail-space-storage information may include co-location of the itemwithin another item in a retail display. At the operation 1552, a firstinstance of handling information corresponding to the item is obtainedfrom a first source.

FIG. 46 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The combination operation 1580 mayinclude one or more additional operations. Additional operations mayinclude operations 1582 through 1586. At the operation 1582, the firstsupply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance isaggregated into a-user interface. At the operation 1583, the firstsupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item istranslated using a mutually agreed protocol. The operation 1583 mayinclude additional operations, such as an operation 1584. At theoperation 1584, the second supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item is translated using the mutually agreed protocol. At theoperation 1585, the first supply-chain assistance corresponding to theidentified item is translated from a first native data format. Theoperation 1585 may include additional operations, such as an operation1586. At the operation 1586, the second supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item is translated from a second nativedata format.

FIG. 47 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryoperational flow 1500 of FIG. 39. The operational flow 1500 may includeone or more additional operations, illustrated as additional operations1590. Additional operations 1590 may include an operation 1592, anoperation 1594, and an operation 1596. At the operation 1592, asupply-chain user is enabled to request at least one instance ofsupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item. At theoperation 1594, the aggregated first supply-chain assistance and thesecond supply-chain, assistance are broadcast. At the operation 1596,the first supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified itemis caused to be obtained from the first source and the secondsupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item is causedto be obtained from the second source.

FIG. 48 illustrates an operational flow 1600 representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations. After a start operation, theoperational flow 1600 moves to a reception operation 1610. At thereception operation 1610, a signal is received indicative of an itemhaving a presence within a geographic locale subject to a control by anentity. In an embodiment, a geographic locale may be subject to acontrol by at least one of an owner of the geographic locale, a tenantof the geographic locale, or an occupier of the geographic locale. At asearch operation 1620, an information is requested corresponding to theitem over a computer network from at least two sources, each sourcebeing independent of the entity. The search operation 1620 may includeone or more additional operations, such as an operation 1622. At theoperation 1622, an information corresponding to the item over a computernetwork is requested from at least two sources over a global computernetwork. At a broadcast operation 1630, the information corresponding tothe item is provided. The operational flow 1600 then moves to an endoperation.

FIG. 49 illustrates an operational flow 1650 representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations. After a start operation, theoperational flow 1650 moves to a reception operation 1660. At thereception operation 1660, a signal indicative of an item having apresence within a geographic locale is received. At a user selectionoperation 1680, a supply-chain user is enabled to request a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the item having a presence within ageographic locale. In an embodiment, a supply-chain user may be anyoneassociated with a supply chain in which the item is moving. In anotherembodiment, a supply-chain user may be anyone who might benefit fromreceiving supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item, such as aproduct manager whose responsibilities include retailing the item, or amanager of a store that will stock the item. The operational flow 1650then moves to an end operation.

FIG. 50 illustrates another embodiment of the exemplary operational flow1600 of FIG. 49. The reception operation of 1660 may include additionaloperations. The additional operations may include an operation 1662, anoperation 1664, an operation 1670, and an operation 1672. At theoperation 1662, a signal is received indicative of an optically readableproduct code associated with an item having a presence within ageographic locale. In an embodiment, the optically readable product codemay include a bar code, and the bar code may be indicative of an EPC. Atthe operation 1664, a signal is received indicative of an electronicallytransmitted product code associated with an item having a presencewithin a geographic locale. In an embodiment, the electronicallytransmitted product code associated with the item may include an EPCtransmitted by an RFID device associated with the item, such as an RFIDtag affixed to the item.

In an embodiment, the operation 1664 may include additional operations,such as an operation 1666, and an operation 1668. At the operation 1666,a communications medium provided by a smart tag associated with the itemis received. At the operation 1668, a radio frequency identificationprovided by an RFID tag associated with the item is received. At theoperation 1670, the item having a presence within a geographic locale isidentified in response to the signal indicative of the item. At theoperation 1672, a signal indicative of an item having a presence withina premises is received.

FIG. 51 illustrates an operational flow 1651 representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations that obtain a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to an item having a presence within a geographic locale.After a start operation, the operational flow 1650 moves to a receptionoperation 1660. At the reception operation 1660, a signal indicative ofan item having a presence within a geographic locale is received. At auser selection operation 1680, a supply-chain user is enabled to requesta supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item having a presencewithin a geographic locale. At a search operation 1685, in response to areceived supply-chain user request for a supply-chain assistance, afirst instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item isobtained from a first source and obtaining a second instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the item is obtained from asecond source. At a combination operation 1690, the first supply-chainassistance and the second supply-chain assistance are aggregated. At abroadcast operation 1695, the aggregated supply-chain assistance isprovided. The operational flow 1651 then moves to an end operation.

FIG. 52 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer programproduct 1700 that includes a computer program 1704 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. In an embodiment, the exemplarycomputer program product 1700 may be provided using a computer-readablemedium 1702 and includes computer-readable instructions. The computerproduct 1700 encodes the computer program 1704 for executing on acomputing device a computer process that includes identifying an itemhaving a presence within a geographic locale in response to a signalindicative of the item. The process includes obtaining a first instanceof a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from afirst source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source.The process further includes aggregating the first supply-chainassistance and the second supply-chain assistance. In an alternativeembodiment, the computer program product 1704 may include additionalprocesses, such as the process 1706 and as the process 1708. At theprocess 1706, the obtaining a first instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a first sourceincludes obtaining a first instance of a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item from a network. At the process1708, the obtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the identified item from a second source includesobtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistance correspondingto the identified item from the network. The computer-readable medium1702 may include a computer storage medium, which may be carried by acomputer-readable carrier (not shown). The computer-readable medium 1702may include a communications medium (not shown).

FIG. 53 illustrates an environment 1720 in which embodiments of anexemplary system 1721 may be implemented. The system 1721 includes acomputing system environment that includes a computing device,illustrated as the computing device 110 of FIG. 1. The environment 1720also includes the sensor 420 operable to generate a signal (not shown)indicative of the item 430 having a presence within the geographiclocale 410. The computing device 110 includes a storage medium 612. Thecomputing device is operable to receive a signal indicative of an itemhaving a presence within a geographic locale through a coupling 605between the sensor 420 and the computing device 110, and to access anetwork. The storage medium 612 may be any computer storage media.

The system 1721 further includes computer executable instructions 1730that when executed on the computing device 110 causes the computingdevice to identify an item having a presence within a geographic localein response to the signal indicative of the item. Also to obtain a firstinstance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identifieditem from a first source and obtain a second instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source.The instructions further cause the computing device to aggregate thefirst supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance. Inan alternative embodiment, the instructions 1730 may cause the computingdevice to perform additional operations, such as an operation 1732, andan operation 1734. At the operation 1732, the obtaining a first instanceof a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from afirst source includes obtaining a first instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a first source overthe network. At the operation 1734, the obtaining a second instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from asecond source includes obtaining a second instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a second sourceover the network.

FIG. 54 illustrates an exemplary system 1750 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 1750 includes a computing system environmentthat includes a computing device, illustrated as the computing device110 of FIG. 1. The system 1750 also includes the sensor 420 operable togenerate a signal (not shown) indicative of the item 430 having apresence within the geographic locale 410. The computing device 110includes a storage medium 612, which may be any computer storage media.The computing device 110 includes an operability to receive the signalindicative of an item through a coupling 605 between the sensor 420 andthe computing device 110, and to access a computer network.

The system 1750 further includes computer executable instructions 1760that when executed on the computing device 110 causes the computingdevice to receive a signal indicative of an item having a presencewithin a geographic locale, and to enable a supply-chain user to requesta supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item having a presencewithin a geographic locale. The computer executable instructions 1760may include at least one additional operation, such as an operation1762. At the operation 1762, the instructions further include, inresponse to a received supply-chain user request for a supply-chainassistance, to obtain a first instance of a supply-chain assistancecorresponding to the item from a first source and obtain a secondinstance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the item from asecond source from the network. The instructions also further include toaggregate the first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chainassistance, and broadcast the aggregated supply-chain assistance.

FIG. 55 illustrates an operational flow 1800 representing exemplarycomputer-implemented operations. After a start operation, theoperational flow 1800 moves to a reception operation 1810. At the firstreception operation 1810, a first signal is received indicative of afirst item having a presence within a geographic locale subject to acontrol by an entity. At the second reception operation 1815, a secondsignal is received indicative of a second item having a presence withinthe geographic locale subject to a control by an entity. At a searchoperation 1820, an information corresponding to both the first item andthe second item is requested over a computer network from at least twosources each independent of the entity. In an alternative embodiment,the search operation 1820 may include one or more additional operations,such as an operation 1822. At the operation 1822, an informationcorresponding to both the first item and the second item is requestedover a global computer network from at least two sources eachindependent of the entity. At a broadcast operation 1830, theinformation is provided. The operational flow 1800 then moves to an endoperation.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will require optically-oriented hardware,software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowdiagrams, operation diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, and/orexamples. Insofar as such block diagrams, operation diagrams,flowcharts, illustrations, and/or examples contain one or more functionsand/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art thateach function and/or operation within such block diagrams, operationdiagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digitaland analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links(e.g., packet links).

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from this subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of this subject matter describedherein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solelydefined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those withinthe art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in theappended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generallyintended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should beinterpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” shouldbe interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should beinterpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will befurther understood by those within the art that if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will beexplicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitationno such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, thefollowing appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or“an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one ormore”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used tointroduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe art will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general sucha construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

The herein described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achievethe desired functionality. Any two components capable of being soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to eachother to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples ofoperably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateableand/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactableand/or wirelessly interacting components.

1. A method implemented in a computing device, the method comprising: a)detecting a signal generated by a sensor, the signal indicative of apresence of an item within a geographic locale; b) obtaining a firstinstance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identifieditem from a first source and obtaining a second instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from asecond source; and c) generating information responsive to at least oneof the first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chainassistance.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting a signalgenerated by a sensor, the signal indicative of a presence of an itemwithin a geographic locale further includes: detecting a presence of anitem within a geographic locale in response to an electronic signalindicative of the item.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the detectinga signal generated by a sensor, the signal indicative of a presence ofan item within a geographic locale further includes: detecting apresence of an item within a geographic locale in response to an opticalcharacteristic indicative of the item.
 4. A non-transitory computerprogram product encoding a computer program for executing on a computersystem a computer process, the computer process comprising: a) detectinga signal generated by a sensor, the signal indicative of a presence ofan item within a geographic locale; b) obtaining a first instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from afirst source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source;and c) generating information responsive to at least one of the firstand the second supply-chain assistance.
 5. The non-transitory computerprogram product of claim 4, wherein the obtaining a first instance of asupply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from afirst source includes obtaining a first instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified from a network.
 6. Thenon-transitory computer program product of claim 5, wherein theobtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistance correspondingto the identified item from a second source includes obtaining a secondinstance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identifieditem from the network.
 7. The non-transitory computer program product ofclaim 5, wherein the computer storage medium product includes a computerprogram product carried by a computer-readable carrier.
 8. Thenon-transitory computer program product of claim 4, wherein the computerprogram product includes a computer storage medium product.
 9. Thenon-transitory computer program product of claim 4, wherein the computerprogram product includes a communication medium product.
 10. A methodimplemented in a computing device, the method comprising: a) receiving asignal generated by a sensor, the signal indicative of an item having apresence within a geographic locale subject to a control by an entity;b) requesting data corresponding to the item over a computer networkfrom at least two sources, at least one source being independent of theentity; and c) providing information responsive to data received inreturn to the request.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein therequesting data corresponding to the item over a computer network fromat least two sources, at least one source being independent of theentity, further includes: requesting data corresponding to the item overa global network from at least two sources, each source beingindependent of the entity.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thereceiving a signal generated by a sensor, the signal indicative of anitem having a presence within a geographic locale subject to a controlby an entity, further includes: receiving a signal indicative of an itemhaving a presence within at least one of a distribution center premises,a retail storage premises, or a warehouse premises subject to a controlby an entity.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the receiving a signalgenerated by a sensor, the signal indicative of an item having apresence within a geographic locale subject to a control by an entity,further includes: receiving a signal indicative of an item having apresence within a conveyance device.
 14. The method of claim 10, whereinthe receiving a signal generated by a sensor, the signal indicative ofan item having a presence within a geographic locale subject to acontrol by an entity, further includes: receiving a signal indicative ofan item carried by at least one of a seagoing vessel, a surface vehicle,or an aircraft.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the requesting datacorresponding to the item over a computer network from at least twosources, at least one source being independent of the entity, furtherincludes: requesting a supply-chain information corresponding to theitem over a computer network from at least two sources at least onesource being independent of the entity.
 16. The method of claim 10,wherein the requesting data corresponding to the item over a computernetwork from at least two sources, at least one source being independentof the entity, further includes: requesting at least one of a productrecall information, a sales promotion information, a rebate information,and/or a gray market status information corresponding to the item over acomputer network from at least two sources, at least one source beingindependent of the entity.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein therequesting data corresponding to the item over a computer network fromat least two sources, at least one source being independent of theentity, further includes: requesting data corresponding to the item overa computer network from at least two sources, each source of the atleast two sources being independent of the entity.
 18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the requesting data corresponding to the item over acomputer network from at least two sources, at least one source beingindependent of the entity, further includes: requesting datacorresponding to the time over a computer network from at least twosources, at least one domain of at least two domains being independentof the entity.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the providinginformation responsive to data received in return to the request furtherincludes: providing a human-understandable display of informationresponsive to data received in return to the request.
 20. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the providing information responsive to data receivedin return to the request further includes: providing a signal indicativeof information responsive to data received in return to the request. 21.The method of claim 10, wherein the providing information responsive todata received in return to the request further includes: broadcasting asignal indicative of information responsive to data received in returnto the request.
 22. The method of claim 10, wherein the providinginformation responsive data further includes: broadcasting a signalindicative of information responsive to data, the broadcast receivableby a computing device not subject to a control by the entity.
 23. Asystem comprising: a) a computing device operable to receive a signalindicative of an item having a presence within a geographic locale andaccess to a network; b) instructions that when executed on the computingdevice enable the computing device to: (i) detect a signal generated bya sensor, the signal indicative of a presence of an item within ageographic locale; (ii) obtain a first instance of a supply-chainassistance corresponding to the identified item from a first source andobtain a second instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding tothe identified item from a second source; and (iii) generate informationresponsive to at least one of the first supply-chain assistance and thesecond supply-chain assistance.
 24. The system of claim 23, furthercomprising: a display operable to present a human understandable outputfrom the computing device.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein theinstructions further include: instructions that when executed on thecomputing device enable the computing device to broadcast a humanunderstandable version of the information generated responsive to atleast one of the first supply-chain assistance and the secondsupply-chain assistance.